New Hampshire is one of many states which administer and control their lead programs to ensure that their citizens and workers are safe from the dangers of lead. The most famous plans are those who are in response the Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule (RRP) which has been in effect since in 2010.
Controlled by the EPA, the RRP rule demands that workers and businesses across the nation become certified before they can renovate, repair or paint lead-painted surfaces. The critical issue with lead-paint is that when it’s disturbed much of it will turn into lead dust which can be easily inhaled and because it’s a toxic metal the health effects can be disastrous.
To minimize this risk not only for those on the work site but also those passing by and living nearby, individuals must be trained on proper safe safety practices. These practices involve ensuring that areas are enclosed, masks are worn, and the appropriate paperwork is completed.
It’s not expected that everybody working on these job sites becomes lead certified, but at least one individual must, and they are responsible for training others and directing the work. Should anything go wrong, it will be they who are to blame. For this reason, the course takes 8-hours including 2-hours of hands-on training to ensure you are ready for the job.
Do I Need Lead Certification in New Hampshire?
The RRP rule requires that projects which involve lead or could be reasonably assumed to include lead, need to be directed by a certified individual. New Hampshire has the greatest percentage of old houses in the United States and those built before 1978 must be treated as if they contain lead-paint unless it can be proven otherwise.
As such, an individual with lead certification is needed to direct the work, ensure that workers are operating safely and that they get the necessary on the job training that they need.
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You will need to become certified if you’re a(n):
- Renovator: As you might imagine, given that it’s named the Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, renovators need to attend training and become certified by the EPA before they can work on these sites. A certified renovator is responsible for ensuring that all workers are kept safe, strict protocols are followed and that others are trained on-the-job effectively.
- Contractors: Independent contractors must hold an active lead certification if they are going to manage these sites which are likely to contain lead hazards. Certified contractors also have a responsibility to ensure that they are working for a company that is also certified by the EPA.
- Home Owners: Although it’s a personal project on a private home, it’s still important to follow the rules. The law requires that homeowners only work on lead-painted surfaces smaller than six square feet inside of the home and twenty square feet outside of the house. Larger surfaces should only be handled by professionals who have undergone training and have an active certificate from the EPA for lead renovation, repair, and painting.
- Property Manager: Managers who are overseeing projects on their properties by their staff are responsible for either becoming certified themselves or having a staff member earn a certificate from the EPA.
- Companies: Although firms do not need to attend any training, they must apply to become certified through the EPA website and keep the records at the job site.
How to Become Certified in New Hampshire
To become lead certified in New Hampshire, you must attend an EPA accredited training program which will last at least 8-hours. During this 8-hour course, you will learn about the dangers that lead poses, how to control the release of lead dust and what paperwork should be filled in during the job.
Once you have completed the training, you will need to pass an examination, at which point you will earn a certificate showing that you passed. This certificate does not mean that you are lead certified in the State of New Hampshire, it means that you passed the course.
To become certified you must apply through the EPA website where they will ask for personal information and proof that you passed the exam. Once the application is complete, you’ll be mailed a certificate which you must keep with you at job sites at all times.
Can I Take a Refresher Course?
Certificates only last for five years and should you want to continue to work beyond this point you will be required to take a refresher course. This course is a condensed version of the full-training and should last around 4-hours. Upon completion, you can apply for another certificate from the EPA which will last for another five years.
It’s important that you complete the course and apply for an extension before the initial certificate expires otherwise you will need to start from scratch and do the full-training course again. To prevent this from occurring it is wise to do the refresher course six months before the certificate expires.
RRP Rule Enforcement in New Hampshire
The State of New Hampshire has their lead programs which are authorized by the EPA to act independently. As a result, much of the enforcement of the RRP rules are done at the state level by local government agencies.
Violating the RRP rule can cause serious punishments including tens of thousands of dollars in fines, lost employment and lost businesses. To prevent this, you must ensure that you are always certified and following the guidelines that you will learn during the training program.
Steps to becoming Lead Certified in New Hampshire
- Learn about the application process and why you need to become certified.
- Attend training from a program that is backed by the EPA.
- Pass the examination and receive the proof.
- Apply through the EPA website for your Lead Renovator Certificate.
- Ensure that you have the documents at the work site whenever you are there.
Helpful Links for Lead Certification in New Hampshire
To discover more about why lead certification is essential, the dangers of lead and how the programs operate in the State of New Hampshire, follow these links:
New Hampshire Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Still Got Questions About Lead Certification?
If you’ve still got questions, then you should give us a call, and we’ll do our best to guide you through the process and ensure that you attend an accredited program.